World Studies African Research Project Final Exam 2012 The African research paper and presentation will include an African topic of student selection. The topic of research should include one of the four general areas listed below.
Cultural: art, literature, music, religion, etc.
Economic: famine, environmental issues, technology, etc.
Political: ethnic/racial conflict, civil wars, tribalism, democratization, etc.
Sociological: role of women, child-related issues, education, health and nutrition, population, etc.
Research Skills:
Reading Comprehension—Students will employ the skills of skimming, scanning, and close-reading of multiple research sources.
Note-taking—Students will sift through research information; highlight what is needed and organize notes on a note-taking sheet.
Organizing information—Students will outline research material on a sheet.
Documenting sources— Students will correctly use direct quotations, paraphrasing and summarizing of research information in paper.
Writing and revising-- Students will complete a rough draft and final research paper.
Works Consulted and Works Cited—Students will complete Works Consulted and Works Cited pages for the research paper.
Essential Questions:
Students are encouraged to use one of the World Studies’ essential questions as an anchor for your research. You will be required to address at least one of them in connection to your topic during the oral presentation.
Who has the wealth and how do they get it?
Who has the power and how do they keep it?
How does what we believe influence how we behave?
How does identity contribute to one’s view of the world?
How is a nation’s economic and political development predetermined by geopraphy?
When does a regional issue become the world’s responsibility?
How does the past influence the present?
Requirements for your Research Paper:
Your paper has a maximum length of three (3) pages.
You must develop a thesis for your paper before you begin writing.
You must produce an outline, (self/peer/parent/writing center edited) rough draft, and final copy of your paper.
Your paper must follow MLA guidelines.
Do not write in the first person. NO “I”
All sources and accompanying materials must be reproduced either photocopied or printed out to be handed in to the teacher.
You must have minimum of (4) sources and two of those sources must be in print. Do not rely exclusively on Internet sources. You must have two or more printed sources.
Do not use Wikipedia as one of your sources. Wikipedia is a lot of fun and it's often quite good, but we'd like each of your sources to answer to a reliable/valid individual or organization that is responsible for the information.
Do not read encyclopedias -- printed or on-line -- to count among your sources. You may read them to prepare you for other readings, if you want.
Any form in plagiarism will not be tolerated and a grade of zero (O) will be assigned to your paper.
Things to Avoid: Please be sure to read each step carefully. Failure to do so could seriously impact your grade.
Do NOT present a report the histories of specific countries or biographies on specific people.
Important developments and people within specific countries can be discussed within the scope of larger topic, but they themselves should not be the focus of your research.
Do NOT have a broad, sweeping topic. Instead, narrow it down and make it manageable.
Oral Presentation Guidelines:
Practice….Organize and rehearse and be aware of the length of your presentation before it is your turn to present.
You have 3 minutes to present and may not run over.
A visual component is required – flexibility with this component.
It is recommended that you use technology that is compatible with Radnor High School technology.
Delays on your presentation day because of technology issues will result in a lower grade.
Make sure that every student in our classroom can see the visual.
You want to be loud, clear and confident when you present your topic.
Your presentation/visual must be centered on an essential question from the World Studies’ course.
Your presentation should demonstrate your understanding of the question as it relates to your specific topic of research and your thesis statement.
Grades:
Your research paper and your oral report will be the basis for your final exam grade.
Both grades are significant; but the paper counts more.
You will also receive small grades for being prepared at all the process checkpoints AND for participation during the oral reports (asking questions, etc.).
Possible Africa Research Topics (2012) Topics will be approved using a draft lottery
Political:
1. Legacy of colonialism in Africa; relations with former colonial powers 2. Causes of and consequences of tribalism 3. Compare/contrast two civil conflicts: DR Congo, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, and Liberia 4. Race issues in Africa: S. Africa, Zimbabwe, and new slave trade 5. Child soldiers 6. Conflict Diamonds 7. Small arms proliferation 8. Democratization 9. Corruption 10. Human rights 11. War crimes tribunals/Truth and Reconciliation Commissions 12. Genocide: Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi, etc. 13. North African Uprisings (“The Arab Spring”): Tunisia, Egypt, Libya Economic: 14. Technology 15. Agriculture 16. Trade and Globalization 17. Foreign aid and debt relief 18. Environmental/Ecological 19. Deforestation 20. Desertification 21. Poaching 22. Tourism/Ecotourism 23. Famine 24. Piracy 25. Compare/contrast the impact of oil in two countries: Sudan, Nigeria, etc.
Sociological: 26. Health 27. AIDS: Why a problem in Africa; solutions, compare/contrast two countries 28. Ebola 29. Dysentery and Cholera 30. Malaria 31. Shamanism (witchdoctors) 32. Education 33. Women 34. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 35. Equality and opportunity 36. Religious issues 37. Interaction between animism and Islam 38. Interaction between animism and Christianity 39. Interaction between Islam and Christianity 40. Sports, esp. soccer and role in society (World Cup in South Africa in 2010)
Cultural: 41. Music, esp. percussion and role in society
Art: 42. Fine Art, sculpture, masks 43. Body Art, scarification 44. Architecture
Guide to Note Taking Name: _ Africa Mini-Research Paper 10th Grade World Studies
Directions: After adapting this form to your particular topic, note taking should be typed according to the following format on a separate sheet of paper.
What was life like in your country (Name of Country) before your topic/event occurred (Culturally, Economically, Politically, Sociologically)
- When did things begin to change (Dates)?
Provide the context/story of your topic in African history.
- Background Information:
What was the impact on the African people?
- Show contrast before and after you issue:
Resolve/conclude the context, impact and future of your given topic.
Future predictions (Without using “I”) for your topic in Africa?
Name_ World Studies-10th Grade
WORKING OUTLINE MINI-RESEARCH PAPER Directions: Outlining should be typed according to the following format on separate paper.
INTRODUCTION
Interesting opener:
Necessary background information:
Thesis:
BODY Paragraph 1— Student will create a topic sentence that explains the context/story of research topic.
Topic sentence:
Include discussion, plus supporting details from sources about your topic.
Paragraph 2— Student will create a topic sentence that explains the context/story of research topic.
Supporting details:
CONCLUSION
Repeat thesis:
Summarize key ideas: Explain the future impact of your topic on the African continent, region or country.
Important closing thoughts:
STRUCTURE FOR THE AFRICAN RESEARCH PAPER
INTRODUCTION Interesting opener Necessary background information for topic and location Thesis (what you intend to prove) Must be last sentence in the introduction paragraph and underlined!
BODY At least three body paragraphs Each paragraph has a topic sentence that refers to the thesis Each paragraph has a discussion with appropriate supporting details from sources Use transition words to move between ideas
CONCLUSION Repeat thesis statement (same or other words) Summarize key ideas Important closing thoughts—what is the larger view of your topic…..
FINAL PAPER DUE: June
Cover page with title Final paper Works cited Bibliography
Outline Rough Draft Copies of Works Cited and Consulted
ALL WORK MUST BE ACCOUNTED FOR.
Timelines and Deadlines for the__
Africa Research Project
Wednesday-Friday (5/18- 5/21) -- Introduction to the Research Project. General read to determine country and topic of research (working bibliography must be created). Final choice of topic and working bibliography are due on Monday 5/21. (Working bibliographyis the first final exam grade) 5 points
End of Period on Wednesday May 23rd --Note-taking page. (Note-taking page is the second final exam grade) 5 Points
End of period on Friday May 25th – Research paper outline due. If finished early, begin working on Rough Draft and/or presentation immediately! (Outline is the third final exam grade) 5 Points
Tuesday May 29th- Rough Draft of African research paper due. (Rough draft is the fourth final exam grade) 15 Points
Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (6/1, 6/4, 6/5, 6/6, 6/7, & 6/8)—Research presentations. Must bring rubric to class! (Presentation is the fifth final exam grade)-30 points
Friday June 8th –The final draft of the African research paper is tentatively due. Included in envelope must be cover page with title, final paper, works cited, all notes, outline and rough draft. (Location of drop-off TBA) (Final paper is the sixth (last) final exam grade) 60 Points
Wednesday June 13th – make-up presentations for those that missed their designated times and/or finish any remaining topics.
Final Exam Grades are based on the following:
Working Bibliography (5)
Note-taking pages (5)
Outline (5)
Rough Draft (15)
Final Paper—includes cover page with title, bibliography, and works cited page (60)
Presentation of topic of research (30)
Final Exam Total: 120 points!
Please note all dates are subject to change at the teacher’s discretion.
Final Exam 2012
The African research paper and presentation will include an African topic of student selection.
The topic of research should include one of the four general areas listed below.
Research Skills:
Essential Questions:
Students are encouraged to use one of the World Studies’ essential questions as an anchor for your research. You will be required to address at least one of them in connection to your topic during the oral presentation.
Requirements for your Research Paper:
Things to Avoid:
Please be sure to read each step carefully. Failure to do so could seriously impact your grade.
- Do NOT present a report the histories of specific countries or biographies on specific people.
Important developments and people within specific countries can be discussed within the scope of larger topic, but they themselves should not be the focus of your research.- Do NOT have a broad, sweeping topic. Instead, narrow it down and make it manageable.
Oral Presentation Guidelines:Grades:
Possible Africa Research Topics (2012)
Topics will be approved using a draft lottery
Political:
1. Legacy of colonialism in Africa; relations with former colonial powers
2. Causes of and consequences of tribalism
3. Compare/contrast two civil conflicts: DR Congo, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, and Liberia
4. Race issues in Africa: S. Africa, Zimbabwe, and new slave trade
5. Child soldiers
6. Conflict Diamonds
7. Small arms proliferation
8. Democratization
9. Corruption
10. Human rights
11. War crimes tribunals/Truth and Reconciliation Commissions
12. Genocide: Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi, etc.
13. North African Uprisings (“The Arab Spring”): Tunisia, Egypt, Libya
Economic:
14. Technology
15. Agriculture
16. Trade and Globalization
17. Foreign aid and debt relief
18. Environmental/Ecological
19. Deforestation
20. Desertification
21. Poaching
22. Tourism/Ecotourism
23. Famine
24. Piracy
25. Compare/contrast the impact of oil in two countries: Sudan, Nigeria, etc.
Sociological:
26. Health
27. AIDS: Why a problem in Africa; solutions, compare/contrast two countries
28. Ebola
29. Dysentery and Cholera
30. Malaria
31. Shamanism (witchdoctors)
32. Education
33. Women
34. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
35. Equality and opportunity
36. Religious issues
37. Interaction between animism and Islam
38. Interaction between animism and Christianity
39. Interaction between Islam and Christianity
40. Sports, esp. soccer and role in society (World Cup in South Africa in 2010)
Cultural:
41. Music, esp. percussion and role in society
Art:
42. Fine Art, sculpture, masks
43. Body Art, scarification
44. Architecture
Guide to Note Taking Name: _
Africa Mini-Research Paper
10th Grade World Studies
Directions: After adapting this form to your particular topic, note taking should be typed according to the following format on a separate sheet of paper.
- What was life like in your country (Name of Country) before your topic/event occurred (Culturally, Economically, Politically, Sociologically)
- When did things begin to change (Dates)?- Provide the context/story of your topic in African history.
- Background Information:- What was the impact on the African people?
- Show contrast before and after you issue:Name_
World Studies-10th Grade
WORKING OUTLINE
MINI-RESEARCH PAPER
Directions: Outlining should be typed according to the following format on separate paper.
INTRODUCTION
Interesting opener:
Necessary background information:
Thesis:
BODY
Paragraph 1— Student will create a topic sentence that explains the context/story of research topic.
Topic sentence:
Include discussion, plus supporting details from sources about your topic.
Paragraph 2— Student will create a topic sentence that explains the context/story of research topic.
Supporting details:
CONCLUSION
Repeat thesis:
Summarize key ideas: Explain the future impact of your topic on the African continent, region or country.
Important closing thoughts:
STRUCTURE FOR THE AFRICAN RESEARCH PAPER
INTRODUCTION
Interesting opener
Necessary background information for topic and location
Thesis (what you intend to prove) Must be last sentence in the introduction paragraph and underlined!
BODY
At least three body paragraphs
Each paragraph has a topic sentence that refers to the thesis
Each paragraph has a discussion with appropriate supporting details from sources
Use transition words to move between ideas
CONCLUSION
Repeat thesis statement (same or other words)
Summarize key ideas
Important closing thoughts—what is the larger view of your topic…..
FINAL PAPER DUE: June
Cover page with title
Final paper
Works cited
Bibliography
Outline
Rough Draft
Copies of Works Cited and Consulted
ALL WORK MUST BE ACCOUNTED FOR.
Timelines and Deadlines for the__
Africa Research Project
Wednesday-Friday (5/18- 5/21) -- Introduction to the Research Project.
General read to determine country and topic of research (working bibliography must be created). Final choice of topic and working bibliography are due on Monday 5/21.
(Working bibliography is the first final exam grade) 5 points
End of Period on Wednesday May 23rd --Note-taking page. (Note-taking page is the second final exam grade) 5 Points
End of period on Friday May 25th – Research paper outline due. If finished early, begin working on Rough Draft and/or presentation immediately!
(Outline is the third final exam grade) 5 Points
Tuesday May 29th- Rough Draft of African research paper due.
(Rough draft is the fourth final exam grade) 15 Points
Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (6/1, 6/4, 6/5, 6/6, 6/7, & 6/8)—Research presentations. Must bring rubric to class!
(Presentation is the fifth final exam grade)-30 points
Friday June 8th –The final draft of the African research paper is tentatively due. Included in envelope must be cover page with title, final paper, works cited, all notes, outline and rough draft. (Location of drop-off TBA)
(Final paper is the sixth (last) final exam grade) 60 Points
Wednesday June 13th – make-up presentations for those that missed their designated times and/or finish any remaining topics.
Final Exam Grades are based on the following:
Please note all dates are subject to change at the teacher’s discretion.